Through the Trees Birthday

As simple as this card looks, it took me FOREVER to create.  First, my Stampin' Up white craft ink did not do a very nice job of covering the trees.  After about 5 tries, I decided that I would emboss them.  After accidentally pouring clear embossing powder on the trees, I finally got it right with the white embossing powder.

Next came sentiment problems.  I had it crooked on the acrylic block and then when I finally got it right, I smudged it while it was drying... that's the problem with using VersaFine ink.  I love how crisp the black is, but it does take time to dry.  Then I decided it needed brads so I need a longer piece of paper so off I went to stamp it again... of course it was after I had already cleaned the stamp!  It is still slightly crooked, but I've decided that is what is going to give it that homemade look!  ;-)

The black trees on the card base also took two tries.  It was hard to see the black tree trunks on the black card stock.  When I went to stamp the leaves, I messed it up... the second time I stamped the leaves and then the trunks.  It was a little easier, but still difficult to see.

Anyone who has stamped with me in person can well imagine how the cutting of the bird went for me.  I hate cutting out small things and the bird is TINY!  I needed my Ott Lite and my cheater glasses!

My inspiration for this card for my brother-in-law came from Lisa's card.

Thanks for looking,

SU Card Stock - Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink - SU - Whisper White Craft, VersaFine Onyx Black
PTI Stamps - Through the Trees
Accessories - Mini Scallop scissors to round the corners of the sentiment, black brads, foam tape

Heartfelt Sympathy

Sympathy cards are never easy to create.  Like so many cards, it would be a great idea if I had a few made for when I need them, but I've yet to get myself ahead of the game.  I created this card for a friend who lost her grandmother recently.  It was inspired by Daria's card.

Thanks for looking,
Kim
SU Card Stock - Whisper White, Brocade Blue, Basic Black
Ink - SU - Brocade Blue, VersaFine Onyx Black
Stamps - Hero Arts S5033, PTI - Through the Trees
Accessories - Gingham Ribbon, Foam Tape

Live for Today

I was thrilled to make this card as I am sending it to a special young lady who is going to be celebrating her one year anniversary of being drug and alcohol free!!!!!  I am so incredibly proud of her for all the obstacles she has overcome in her life.  The day before her anniversary, she will be starting college to become an addictions counsellor!  Yahoo!

Natasha's card was my inspiration for this card.  I love her use of bright colours and I love that this card is not too "girly" which will really suit the recipient.

Thanks for looking,
Kim

SU Card Stock - Real Read, Only Orange, Whisper White
Ink - SU - Real Red, Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow. VersaFine - Onyx Black
Stamps - SU - Seeing Spots, PTI - Through the Trees
Accessories - Foam Tape

Winter Birthday

When I saw Heather's card last night, I just HAD to duplicate it for my niece's birthday card.  The only problem was that I don't have snowflake stamps that are the right size for this layout.  When I woke up at 4:30!!!!! this morning I pondered going to the nearest stamping store (25 minutes of highway driving), but really thought that I was being a bit impulsive.  I then thought I'd find out if my two stamping friends had snowflake stamps, but knew I had better wait until a much more reasonable hour.  And then it hit me - I could use my Cricut to create snowflakes instead! 

Thanks to my Cricut, Sure Cuts A Lot software and a free svg of snowflakes from My Cricut Scrapbooking, I eventually came up with a card.  I really like Heather's clear embossed tiles, but when I tried to duplicate it, it made my snowflakes quite yellow.  I'm not sure if it is because of my embossing powder or if it is because I was embossing on white paper snowflakes rather than white embossed snowflakes.  Does anybody have any words of wisdom?

When I was going to comment on Heather's card, I noticed Chrissie's comment stating that she had done her own version.  I also checked that one out and it is quite lovely and worth having a peak at!  So, I decide to try again and this is what I came up with:

I'm to too thrilled with the pictures of these cards.  I think they look better in real life.  There is a scored line on the top and the bottom of the navy panel that you can't see in the picture and you can't tell that the squares on the second card are popped up.  I wish I could figure out how to take better pictures of cards - especially on these drab winter days!

Thanks for looking,
Kim
Card Stock - SU - Whisper White, Night of Navy, PTI Stamper's Select White (base of the second card)
SU Ink - Lavender Lace, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, VersaMark
Stamps - PTI - Through the Trees
Accessories - Foam Tape (second card)